Calories in One Tomato: A Nutritious and Low-Calorie Snack Option

If you’re looking for a low-calorie snack that’s also packed with nutrients, look no further than the humble tomato. Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that can be eaten raw or cooked, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also good for you.

In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional profile of a tomato, including its caloric value and health benefits. We’ll also provide tips on how to incorporate tomatoes into your diet and how to read food labels to make informed choices. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your health, or simply add some variety to your meals, tomatoes are a great choice.

Key Takeaways

• Tomatoes are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes.
• One medium-sized tomato contains only about 22 calories and is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
• Incorporating tomatoes into your diet can help you meet your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, and may offer health benefits such as reducing your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Nutritional Profile of a Tomato

Tomatoes are a nutrient-dense food that are rich in vitamins and minerals. One small tomato provides 67 calories, 0.8g of protein, 3.5g of carbohydrates, and 0.2g of fat ¹².

Vitamin Content

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 28% of the daily recommended value per small tomato ¹². Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, boosts the immune system, and aids in the absorption of iron ¹.

Tomatoes also contain vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function ¹². One small tomato provides 15% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A ².

Mineral Content

Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, with one small tomato providing 292mg or 6% of the daily recommended value ¹². Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, nerve and muscle function, and fluid balance in the body ¹.

Tomatoes also contain small amounts of other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus ¹². These minerals are important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, muscle function, and energy production ¹.

In summary, tomatoes are a nutritious and low-calorie snack option that are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of potassium, vitamin A, and other minerals. Incorporating tomatoes into your diet can help you meet your daily nutrient needs and support overall health.

Caloric Value of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. They are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.

Calories in Different Tomato Sizes

The calorie count in tomatoes can vary based on the size and type of tomato you are consuming. Generally, larger tomatoes will have more calories than smaller ones. For example, a small tomato (about 2 2/5 inches in diameter) contains only 16 calories, while a medium-sized tomato (about 123 grams) contains 22 calories [1].

Here is a table that shows the approximate calorie count for different sizes of tomatoes:

Tomato Size	Calories
Small (2 2/5 inches in diameter)	16
Medium (about 123 grams)	22
Large (about 182 grams)	33
Extra-large (about 250 grams)	47

Calories in Tomato Varieties

Different varieties of tomatoes can also have slightly different calorie counts. For example, a Roma tomato (about 2 1/2 inches long) contains approximately 11 calories, while a beefsteak tomato (about 3 inches in diameter) contains approximately 33 calories [2].

Here is a list of some common tomato varieties and their approximate calorie counts per serving:

• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup) – 27 calories
• Grape tomatoes (1 cup) – 53 calories
• Plum tomatoes (1 medium) – 11 calories
• Beefsteak tomatoes (1 medium) – 33 calories

As you can see, tomatoes are a low-calorie food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them raw in a salad or cooked in a sauce, tomatoes are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.

[1] Source: tomatoinsight.com
[2] Source: fatsecret.com

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are not just a low-calorie food, but they also offer several health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of tomatoes:

Weight Management

If you are trying to lose weight, tomatoes can be a great addition to your diet. Tomatoes are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full for longer periods. According to Healthline, a small (100-gram) raw tomato contains only 18 calories and 1.2 grams of fiber.

Cardiovascular Health

Tomatoes are also good for your heart health. They are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that can help lower the risk of heart disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, one medium-sized raw tomato contains 23 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, and 1.5 grams of fiber.

Moreover, tomatoes are also a good source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. According to Verywell Fit, one small (2 2/5″ in diameter) tomato provides 237 milligrams of potassium, which is about 5% of the daily recommended intake.

In conclusion, tomatoes are a nutritious and healthy food that can be easily incorporated into your diet. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for weight management and cardiovascular health.

Incorporating Tomatoes in Your Diet

Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into your diet in many ways. Here are some ideas for incorporating tomatoes into your meals:

Raw Tomato Recipes

• Tomato Salad: A simple tomato salad can be made by slicing tomatoes and adding a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can also add other ingredients like cucumber, onion, and feta cheese to make a more substantial salad.
• Salsa: Salsa is a great way to add flavor to your meals. You can make a simple salsa by mixing diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
• Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that consists of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a delicious and refreshing salad.

Cooked Tomato Dishes

• Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is a great base for many dishes like pasta, pizza, and lasagna. You can make a simple tomato sauce by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil, adding canned tomatoes, and simmering for 20-30 minutes.
• Stuffed Tomatoes: Stuffed tomatoes are a delicious and healthy meal. Cut the top off of a tomato, scoop out the seeds and pulp, and stuff with a mixture of cooked rice, ground meat, and herbs. Bake in the oven until the tomato is soft and the filling is cooked.
• Tomato Soup: Tomato soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add canned tomatoes and chicken broth, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Blend the mixture until smooth and add cream for a richer soup.

Incorporating tomatoes into your diet is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. Try these recipes and experiment with your own ideas to find new ways to enjoy this delicious vegetable.

Understanding Food Labels

Reading Nutrition Facts

When looking at a food label, it’s important to understand the information provided. The nutrition facts label can help you make informed decisions about the food you eat. The label provides information about the serving size, calories, and nutrients in the food.

The serving size is listed at the top of the label. This tells you how much of the food is considered one serving. It’s important to pay attention to this information, as the calorie and nutrient information is based on the serving size listed. If you eat more than one serving, you’ll need to adjust the calorie and nutrient information accordingly.

The calorie information is listed next. This tells you how many calories are in one serving of the food. If you’re trying to manage your weight, it’s important to pay attention to the calorie information and make sure you’re not consuming too many calories.

The nutrient information is listed below the calorie information. This includes information about the amount of fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, and protein in the food. It’s important to pay attention to the nutrient information and make sure you’re getting enough of the nutrients your body needs.

Serving Sizes and Calories

When it comes to calories, it’s important to pay attention to the serving size listed on the label. Many foods have multiple servings per container, so it’s important to adjust the calorie information accordingly. For example, if a container of tomato sauce has four servings and each serving is 50 calories, the entire container would be 200 calories.

It’s also important to pay attention to the serving size when comparing similar foods. For example, if you’re trying to decide between two brands of tomato sauce, you’ll want to compare the serving size and calorie information to make an informed decision.

Overall, understanding food labels can help you make informed decisions about the food you eat. By paying attention to the serving size and calorie information, you can manage your weight and ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a medium-sized tomato?

According to Tomato Insight, a medium-sized tomato usually contains around 22-25 calories. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the size and type of tomato.

Can you tell me the calorie count for 100 grams of tomatoes?

One hundred grams of tomatoes contain approximately 18-20 calories, as per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This calorie count is for raw tomatoes and may vary depending on the type of tomato.

What is the calorie content of a small tomato?

A small tomato, which is about 2 2/5 inches in diameter, contains only 16 calories, as per the USDA. Small tomatoes are low in calories and are a great snack option for weight watchers.

How many calories do cherry tomatoes contain?

Cherry tomatoes are smaller in size compared to a typical medium-sized tomato. They contain approximately 3 calories per tomato, making them an excellent choice for guilt-free snacking. (source: Chef’s Resource)

Is it okay to consume tomatoes on a daily basis?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to consume tomatoes on a daily basis. Tomatoes are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an excellent addition to your daily diet. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, promoting digestion, and supporting bone health.

Are tomatoes more calorie-dense or carb-heavy?

Tomatoes are low in calories and carbs. One small tomato contains only 3.5 grams of carbohydrates and 16 calories, making it an excellent snack option for weight watchers. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in fiber, which helps keep you full for longer and aids in digestion.

Footnotes

1. Calories of 1 Tomato: A Nutritious and Low-Calorie Snack Option ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸

2. A Breakdown of Tomato Nutrition – Verywell Fit ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶